The effect of balance training by program Wii Fit with Nintendo Wii and Wii balance board in female obese people

Abstract

Nowadays, obesity is a problem in many countries, even in Thailand. Obese people tend to have a greater risk of falling in comparison to people who are not obese. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of balance training by the use of Nintendo Wii and Wii balance board in obese females. This study used the Single leg standing test (SLS) and Timed up & go test (TUG) to inspect and help improve the balance of such females. Fifteen obese female students from Mae Fah Luang University were included in the study. Their average body mass index was 29.15±3.44 kg/m2 and their average age was 20.57±1.34 years. Before training, the participants attained an average score of 15.79±5.01 in the SLS test and 7.00±0.88 seconds in the TUG test. Participants were trained by the Nintendo Wii for 3 days in a week. Post-test results after 4-weeks of training were 29.36±6.63 in the SLS test and 5.71±0.11 seconds in the TUG test. Paired t-test was used compare both pre and post test scores, resulting in a significant diff erence between pretest and posttest in SLS and TUG tests. This study also helped to support the idea of using Nintendo Wii and Wii balance for training balance in obese people who have problems with balance. Bull Chiang Mai Assoc Med Sci 2013; 46(1): 66-71